SOUTHLAND ROUNDUP

UC Santa Barbara 76, UC Irvine 61--Derrick Allen scored a career-high 20 points and tied a school record with eight steals and the Gauchos solidified their hold on first place in the Big West Conference’s Western Division.

Santa Barbara (8-10, 6-2) has won eight of 10 games since a 0-8 start; Irvine (5-13, 1-7) has lost seven consecutive games.

The Gauchos led by as many as 18 points in the second half but Irvine, led by forward Ben Jones, cut it to 60-54 with 5:44 to play. The Anteaters then turned the ball over on four of their next six possessions.

Irvine had 26 turnovers, 19 of which were Gaucho steals.

Allen also had seven assists and only one turnover.

“That’s one of the best lines I’ve ever been associated with,” Coach Bob Williams said. “The eight steals is incredible, let alone everything else.”

Josh Merrill scored 16 points and Brandon Payton, Gary Payton’s brother, scored 11 off the bench for the Gauchos, who finished last in the Western Division a year ago.